Verdict

A tricky puzzle to unravel, further complicated by the fact that McCoy has chosen the enigmatic but potentially well-treated Nostringattached ahead of the more consistent Breaking Silence. Cullahill may have had enough for the time being, while Kristallo is proving disappointing and Morestead capitulated quickly over hurdles at Fontwell six days ago. Orion Star may be too high in the weights now but Surfboard is interesting back over fences and Rifleman could figure if back to his best. JUSTABOUT went very close at Plumpton last time, however, and could go one better today off only a 2lb higher mark.

Formwatch

Cullahill (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Prominent, lost place 14th, pulled up before 16th, in a race won by Qhilimar (11-4) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Sep, 9 ran.

Nostringsattached (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Held up, always in rear, shaken up and well held from 3 out, last of 7, 45l behind Cappagh (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Sep.

Surfboard (IRE) 6-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 3 out, led before 2 out, driven 2 lengths ahead last, no extra and headed flat, soon weakened to 3rd, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Winning Show (10-2) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Sep.

Rifleman (IRE) 16-1 (11-8) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge 3 out, gradually weakened, lost 2nd after last, 3rd of 5, 16l behind Chapolimoss (11-1) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Aug.

Breaking Silence (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Keen hold, held up in last trio, steady headway from 6th, chased leaders 13th, ridden after 3 out, left 3rd last, kept on flat, 3rd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Or Sing About (11-4) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Sep.

Kristallo (GER) 6-1 (11-8) Tracking leaders until fell 8th, in a race won by Or Sing About (11-4) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Sep, 9 ran.

Morestead (IRE) 16-1 (10-3) Led, not fluent 4th, mistake, ridden and headed next, last when mistake 6th, soon behind, 8th of 10, well behind Fountains Flypast (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Sep.

Justabout 16-1 (11-2) Led, not fluent and driven 14th, headed 3 out, chased leader, 2 lengths down and staying on when left in lead and blundered last, soon headed, rallied close home, just failed, not recover, 2nd of 9, shd behind Or Sing About (11-4) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Sep.

Orion Star (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Held up, jumped slowly 4th, ridden in last 6th, closed 11th, not fluent next, outpaced 14th, stayed on same pace from 2 out, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Definite Dawn (11-6) at Fontwell 3m 2f Conditional Handicap Chase (0-115) (4yo+) (4) gd in Sep.